KEY POINTS
- Novak Djokovic has won the legal battle in Australia
- The Serbian player confirmed he is unvaccinated
- Djokovic is the reigning champion at Australia Open
Nick Kyrgios said he was "quite embarrassed" by the way Novak Djokovic was treated in Australia. This comes after the World No. 1 won a court challenge to remain in the country for his Australian Open title defense.
Even though Djokovic has won the legal battle, his fight over his medical exemption from the COVID-19 vaccine is far from over. He still has the threat of being detained by the Australian Government for a second time, considering the country’s public opinion has been mainly against the Serbian player, who has confirmed he is unvaccinated. Australia is battling against a wave of Omnicron but more than 90% of the adult population is doubly vaccinated.
However, Kyrgios is disappointed with the way the situation has unfolded in his country.
"I feel quite embarrassed as an Australian athlete that's seen what this guy has done for us and the sport. I just don't think it's right how we're handling it but the media loves to do that, loves to divide and I don't want this to take away from any of the great results the other Australians are having," Kyrgios said in an Instagram video Tuesday in which he also criticized the media.
Kyrgios, who pulled out of this week's Sydney Tennis Classic after testing positive for COVID-19, also mentioned that he is feeling well and has been taking all necessary precautions before the Australian Open, which will begin on Jan. 17.
"It's not ideal, a week out of the Australian Open, but I'm doing everything in my power to feel OK and get out there and hopefully give you all a show," added Kyrgios in the same video.
Novak Djokovic says he is determined to stay in Melbourne and compete in the Australian Open Photo: AFP / Paul CROCK
"I’m pleased and grateful that the Judge overturned my visa cancellation. Despite all that has happened,I want to stay and try to compete @AustralianOpen. I remain focused on that. I flew here to play at one of the most important events we have in front of the amazing fans," wrote Djokovic on social media Monday.
When Djokovic’s visa was revoked by the Australian government, former World No. 1 Rafael Nadal had backed the decision.
"I think if he wanted, he would be playing here in Australia without a problem. He went through another -- he made his own decisions, and everybody is free to take their own decisions, but then there are some consequences. Of course, I don't like the situation that is happening. In some way, I feel sorry for him. But at the same time, he knew the conditions a lot of months ago, so he makes his own decision," Nadal said in a post-match conference during playing at the ATP 250 Melbourne Summer Set trophy, his career’s 89th ATP title.
Nadal, who recently recovered from COVID-19, went on to win the tournament by beating American qualifier Maxime Cressy 7-6(6), 6-3. The 20-time Grand Slam winner, who had returned to action for the first time since August 2021, won the Melbourne title, without dropping a set.
